Paws 4 Thor

I was asked to help a fellow Autism Parent. I am fortunate to have Jay who is highly verbal and does not run away. This mother is not so lucky. I can only image the anxiety that she must feel every day. Anyway she is trying to raise money to purchase a special Autism Service Dog for her son. I ask that you please take a second to read Thor’s story and to view the video she made. Even if you are not in the position to help her financially, you can help by forwarding this video to people you know. List it on your Facebook page or Tweet your friends. Help Thor get his dog! Thanks! ~Sharon from Mama’s Turn Now

PAWS 4 THOR

Meet Thor Blocksidge.

Thor is an active, sweet, 2 and a half year old boy who lives with his Mom in Quesnel, BC (Canada)…but Thor isn’t like other typical 2 and a half year old boys; though he loves playing outside – he hates to get dirty. He loves blowing bubbles, but doesn’t like them to get too close. His favorite is playing with cars and dinosaurs…but make sure they are in a perfect line or you’re in for a lot of tears.

On April 14th, 2011 Thor was diagnosed as having Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Extreme Anxiety; he leads a life apart from others his age.

Autism is a neurological disorder that is more and more heard of, yet still widely misunderstood. Autism affects the areas of the brain controlling language, social interaction, and creative and abstract thinking.

In addition, his brain has difficulty processing the sensory information that he perceives. Many times sights, sounds, smells, and touch can overwhelm him and even be painful. This usually leads to outbursts and a desire to flee the situation. Every moment of every day Thor fights against his natural tendencies to be afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed.

Thor’s senses are constantly inundated by the sights, smells, and sounds around him. He is only semi-verbal and does not respond to strangers or to his name being called if he were to wander or hide.

There are many issues that arise from Thor’s disabilities that make living each day difficult for Thor and his mother (a single parent). He must have his hand-held constantly or be on a toddler “leash,” because his severe anxiety causes him to run away and hide even when out in public. He also self injures – hitting, slapping, pinching himself and even banging his head on hard surfaces.

Thor is also a loving child and has an infectious laugh. His family strives every day to help him overcome the many obstacles he faces. While researching the potential ways to assist Thor, his mother became aware of the benefits an Autism Service Dog could provide and found an organization called 4 Paws For Ability in Ohio. This is a non-profit agency that places trained service dogs with children with a wide range of disabilities. An Autism Service Dog would accompany Thor and his mother everywhere, acting as a safe guard, by having Thor tethered to the dog with a special harness.

Autism service dogs are also trained to comfort during melt downs,interrupt inappropriate repetitive or self-injurious behaviors, and provide comfort and companionship. Thor has been approved to receive an Autism service dog; 4 Paws for Ability eliminates a long waiting list by allowing their clients’ family, friends, and community to raise $13,000 to help cover some of the cost of extensive training service dogs require.

In Thor’s particular case the dog would also be trained in Search and Rescue, giving his mother an extra pair of eyes and a keen sense of smell to help locate her son when he wanders and hides.

The 4 Paws for Ability website states, “We have discovered a magic that exists between children and dogs, a magic that can become a life-saving miracle for a child paired with one of our Autism Assistance Dogs.” You can help bring some magic to Thor’s life by making a tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in Thor’s name. Every donation helps and no donation amount is too small!

Visit www.paws4thor.com for more information about Thor, to find out how you can donate online, and to read updates on this little boy’s journey to find a helping paw.

We raised the money needed to get his dog trained and will be going to Ohio for 2 weeks of training in 2012 – though we still need to raise the money needed for the 2 week trip (single mom+low income…it’s going to be tough!). Thanks for all the help! Here is the new fundraising page: http://igg.me/p/50639?a=313421&i=shlk